"TheTransporter" only has one real problem: It's utterly predictable. The plot never takes an unexpected turn, or produces a genuine surprise. This is not as big a problem as it may seem, because the film is so smooth, and so filled with action that in the end, you really don't care.
Shu Qi is absolutely adorable, but the only thing she brings to the underwritten part is her cute smile. The role could have been played by anybody. This is her first feature in english and she does very well. She doesn't say much, but when she does, she has the sweetest accent.
Jason Statham is good as the transporter. This is his first lead role, and his first attempt at martial arts. He is highly capable in both areas, and if there's any justice in the world this will not be the last time he top lines a film. He plays the role with a quiet menacing quality and a little bit of charm.
There was some confusion as to who the director is. Early reports indicated Louis Leterrier, with Corey Yuen acting as stunt co-ordinator. Later the two were credited side by side, and finally Yuen is listed as director, with Louis Leterrier as "artistic director" (whatever that means). I'm not sure if this confusion is due to misinformation or a change behind the camera, but regardless this never feels like a Hong Kong movie. If anything if feels like a Luc Besson movie. Closer to "Wasabi" or "Kiss of the Dragon" than "Leon - The Professional", but still unmistakably influenced by Bessons style. The action scenes look fantastic and they're highly inventive, but they are not as down and dirty as the average Hong Kong movie.
Either way the whole thing boils down to one question: Is it fun to watch...? Hell, yes! Don't expect an oscar winner, don't even expect to remember what the whole thing was about when you leave the cinema. So here's the deal: If you don't mind taking a journey, where you know the route and the destination, and you're free to enjoy the trip, by all means get on "The Transporter"... But if you demand twist and turns every other second, you might wanna look for a different ride...
David Bjerre